The Continental Mark VII, later called just Mark VII, was a large and luxurious rear wheel drive coupe from Lincoln. Introduced in 1984, the Continental Mark VII shared its platform with the Ford Thunderbird. The Mark VII has most comfort/convienence options that were available in the 1980's. This included all power accessories, leather seating, keyless entry, on-board computer/message center, digital instruments (on all except the LSC models). The engine choices were a 5.0 L V8 and an ultra-rare (200-500 made) 2.4 L I-6 Diesel. The Diesel was a Steyr design with a turbocharger. Rumors have it that a 5 speed manual transmission was bolted to at least 1 of these diesels. The Mark VII was the first American vehicle with electronic 4 channel antilock brakes (November 1984, 6 months before the Corvette). It was also the first American vehicle with composite headlights. There were 4 trim levels to start with: Base, Versace Designer, Bill Blass Designer, and LSC. The Versace had unique stitched seats, the Bill Blass had pillow top seats with "BB" etched in the backrest. The LSC was designed to compete against European luxury coupes, so it had stiffer suspension, dual exhaust, sport leather seats, a higher output engine (ex. w/diesel) and sport styled 16 in (406 mm) rims. The LSC also had analog gauges (1985+) with a Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Level guage, Coolant Temperature gauge, and separate trip and regular odometers. All the others had digital instruments with just a Speedometer, Fuel Level guage, and trip odometer. All Mark VII's came with full airbag suspension with an electronic ride control system.

Trim Levels:

• 1984-1987 Contenental Mark VII (Base)
• 1984-1985 Versace Designer Edition
• 1984-1992 Bill Blass Designer Edition
• 1984-1992 LSC (Luxury Sport Coupe)

Engine options:

• 2.4 L I6, 115 hp (86 kW) Diesel (1984-1985) w/ ZF 4 Speed Automatic
• 4.9 L V8, 140 hp (104 kW) CFI (1984-1985) w/ AOD 4 Speed Automatic
• 4.9 L V8, 180 hp (134 kW) CFI (1985 LSC) w/ AOD 4 Speed Automatic
• 4.9 L V8, 150 hp, (112 kW) 275 lbf.ft (373 Nm) SEFI (1986-1987) w/ AOD 4 Speed Automatic
• 4.9 L V8, 200 hp (149 kW) SEFI (1988-1987 LSC) w/ AOD 4 Speed Automatic
• 4.9 L V8, 225 hp, (168 kW) 300 lbf.ft (407 Nm) SEFI (1987 LSC; 1988+ ALL) w/ AOD 4 Speed Automatic

Awards

The Mark VII LSC was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1986.